Ingredients

A pharmacist-led guide to cosmetic actives. Every ingredient explained with scientific evidence: what it does, how to use it and what to combine it with.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3): real benefits and how to use it correctly
antioxidant
Niacinamide (vitamin B3): real benefits and how to use it correctly
Niacinamide helps strengthen the barrier, regulate sebum, soothe redness, and even out skin tone. I'll tell you what ...
Published: 03 June 2026
Topical Vitamin C: concentration, use, and suitable skin types
anti-wrinkle
Topical Vitamin C: concentration, use, and suitable skin types
Antioxidant, brightening, and effective against fine spots: this is how topical vitamin C works when the formula is w...
Published: 03 June 2026
Centella Asiatica for Skin: What Works and What Doesn't
antioxidant
Centella Asiatica for Skin: What Works and What Doesn't
Centella asiatica extract is used for its soothing, antioxidant, and restorative properties. I'll explain what it can...
Published: 03 June 2026
Coconut oil on your skin: what works, what doesn't, and for whom it makes sense
anti-inflammatory
Coconut oil on your skin: what works, what doesn't, and for whom it makes sense
A clear guide to coconut oil in cosmetics: what it contributes to the skin barrier, which skin types it's best for, a...
Published: 03 June 2026
What is caffeine for? A pharmacist explains
anti-inflammatory
What is caffeine for? A pharmacist explains
Caffeine in cosmetics can help reduce inflammation, provide an antioxidant effect, and temporarily improve under-eye ...
Published: 03 June 2026
Jojoba oil: what it does for your skin and how to make the most of it
antioxidant
Jojoba oil: what it does for your skin and how to make the most of it
A clear guide to jojoba oil: what it is, what it's for, how to use it, and what results you can expect for dry, sensi...
Published: 03 June 2026
Tea tree oil: what it's used for in cosmetics and how to use it without irritation
antimicrobial
Tea tree oil: what it's used for in cosmetics and how to use it without irritation
We analyze what tea tree oil is used for in cosmetics, how to use it without irritation, and what results are realist...
Published: 03 June 2026
Bisabolol: What it is, what it's for, and why your sensitive skin will thank you
antioxidant
Bisabolol: What it is, what it's for, and why your sensitive skin will thank you
Bisabolol is a soothing and anti-inflammatory active ingredient very useful for sensitive, reactive, or irritated ski...
Published: 03 June 2026
The truth about rosehip oil: what science says
antioxidant
The truth about rosehip oil: what science says
Rosehip oil without myths: what it can really do for the skin, how to use it properly, what to combine it with, and w...
Published: 03 June 2026
Vitamin E: how to use it in your facial routine
antioxidant
Vitamin E: how to use it in your facial routine
Vitamin E is a classic antioxidant in dermo-cosmetics: it helps protect the skin, strengthens the skin barrier, and w...
Published: 03 June 2026
Green tea extract: useful antioxidant or cosmetic claim
anti-inflammatory
Green tea extract: useful antioxidant or cosmetic claim
An interesting antioxidant active ingredient, especially in soothing and urban formulas, but with more modest results...
Published: 03 June 2026
Aloe vera: what it does for your skin and how to make the most of it
antioxidant
Aloe vera: what it does for your skin and how to make the most of it
I'll explain what aloe vera actually does for the skin, when it's worth using, what it pairs well with, and what mist...
Published: 03 June 2026
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What are cosmetic active ingredients

Cosmetic active ingredients are the components responsible for making a product do what it promises. Unlike excipients (which provide texture, preservation or fragrance), actives are the ones that produce a real, measurable effect on the skin: stimulating collagen, inhibiting melanin, strengthening the skin barrier or accelerating cell renewal.

The problem is that most brands do not explain which actives they use, at what concentration or why. This pharmacist-led guide to cosmetic ingredients was created to change that: each article analyses an active ingredient with the available scientific evidence, without exaggeration or empty promises.

How to use this ingredient guide

Each article in this guide includes a summary card with the INCI name, effective concentration, potency, recommended skin type, routine step and compatibility with other actives. You will also find information on use during pregnancy and verifiable scientific references.

All content is written and reviewed by a licensed pharmacist with over 20 years of experience. This is not a standard cosmetic ingredient list — it is a professional guide designed to help you make informed decisions about your skincare.

Arancha Grediaga
Author and reviewer
Pharmacist · Dermocosmetics Expert · COFA License #6497
+20 years of community pharmacy experience · Technical Lead at EVUE Cosmetics